Chapter 376

Chapter 376
Serena’s POV
"It has nothing to do with you," I told Hattie, struggling to suppress the anger bubbling inside me.
I've always been clear about right and wrong. When someone is at fault, it's their responsibility alone—I never drag innocent people into it. Hattie hadn't done anything wrong, and I shouldn't project my fury toward Mateo onto her.
"Mateo wasn't like this before..." Hattie looked at me, confusion swimming in her eyes. "I don't understand why, but he seems... different with you."
"Perhaps our energies simply clash. We're fundamentally incompatible," I replied with a bitter laugh, my heart filled with mockery.
I had noticed it too—Mateo treated me differently than others. With everyone else, even when he was arrogant and dismissive, he didn't lash out the way he did with me. I truly couldn't understand what I'd done to provoke him. Every encounter between us ended in hostility!
In a past life, we must have been mortal enemies!
"But somehow I feel like he really cares about you," Hattie continued. "When he saw blood in your IV line, he panicked completely. He only yelled because you weren't taking proper care of yourself. Concern can make people act irrationally... God, I think I'm actually jealous."
The suggestion was absurd. I shook my head internally. "You're joking," I responded coolly. "Mateo's behavior toward me was simply the exaggerated reaction of a normal person. If I were in that situation, I'd also call for doctors and nurses. As for his temper... isn't it possible he simply can't stand me and uses any legitimate excuse to lash out?"
"Mateo isn't like that. He doesn't act this way with anyone else," Hattie insisted.
"Which is exactly why I said our energies clash," I answered with a hint of sarcasm. Even now, remembering Mateo's accusations made anger rise in my chest, tight and suffocating.
"Serena, you don't... have feelings for Mateo, do you?" Hattie suddenly asked, tension evident in her voice.
The question was so ridiculous that I answered without hesitation: "Absolutely not."
"I'm just so afraid you might develop feelings for him," Hattie said, distress coloring her words. "I love him so deeply. I'm terrified of losing him..."
"I won't develop feelings for him," I interrupted firmly, hoping she would understand my resolve.
Yet Hattie persisted: "You're just so beautiful, and after asking my grandmother about you, I know how capable and talented you are. I'm scared that Mateo might fall for you."
"He won't," I responded curtly, growing impatient.
"But he treats you differently," Hattie insisted.
"Yes—differently terrible," I pointed out bluntly.
"Serena, can you promise me you'll never try to take Mateo from me?" Hattie asked, tears welling in her eyes, looking utterly pitiful.
I pressed my lips together, feeling exasperated. I'd already made myself perfectly clear. Why was she pushing me?
"I accidentally saw a photo of your late husband, Mateo. Mateo and Mateo look so similar..." Hattie explained her anxiety. "I'm worried you might have feelings for Mateo because of that..."
Her insinuation made my heart tighten. "I would never. No one could ever replace Mateo," I stated firmly, each word deliberate. Mateo's place in my heart was untouchable—I knew that better than anyone.
"Hearing you say that is such a relief," Hattie sighed dramatically, then continued with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry for doubting you, Serena. It's just that I love Mateo so much. Without him, I'd surely die."
The conversation was becoming increasingly absurd. "Your relationship with him and your deep feelings don't need to be explained to me," I told Hattie. "If you're truly worried about something developing between Mateo and me, you should leave Manhattan with him as soon as possible."
"But Mateo has so much work to handle here," Hattie replied, looking troubled. "Serena, could I ask one more thing? Even if you do see Mateo in Manhattan, could you please not speak to him at all?"
My expression visibly changed. Her request was outrageous—Hattie was interfering with my personal freedom.
"Hattie, I understand your feelings for Mateo, and I'm trying to understand your insecurities, but I can't promise never to have any contact with him, not even a single word. People are social creatures with complex relationships. Someday, Mateo and I might have work connections. I can't fulfill your request," I explained patiently.
"Besides, a relationship between two people isn't maintained through a third party, nor can it be easily destroyed by outsiders. A relationship should be built on mutual trust, understanding, and acceptance. Being suspicious will only create distance and damage your connection more easily."
Hattie's eyes reddened. "I know I shouldn't ask this of you, and I understand what you're saying. But... you genuinely feel like a threat to me. I've never seen Mateo act this way with anyone, and it terrifies me. So please, could you stay away from Mateo?"
"I'm sorry, Serena, I really don't want to demand this from you, but I'm so afraid of losing him," Hattie pleaded. "At the very least, when you don't have business dealings with him, could you maintain your distance?"
"I already keep my distance. I've never approached him intentionally, and I have no interest in him..." I watched Hattie's expectant, pitiful gaze and felt a wave of irritation. But to end this tedious conversation, I finally said, "Fine, I promise."
Hattie instantly broke into a smile through her tears.
"Thank you, Serena. I knew you were a good person," she said excitedly.
Internally, I shook my head. I wasn't being a good person. I didn't think Hattie's desperate, insecure love was worthy of sympathy.
I simply didn't want to be entangled with them. I didn't want to waste my time on their drama or create complications for myself.
Whether I agreed or not, my behavior would remain the same. Mateo and I already had an asymmetrical relationship. Hattie didn't trust that—she just wanted verbal confirmation from me. So I gave it to her.
"I should go now," Hattie said happily. "Serena, please take care of your health."
"Mm," I responded briefly.
After Hattie left, I took out my phone and blocked Mateo's number. Just as Hattie wished. From now on, I would have no connection with Mateo García whatsoever.